Annual Winter Wonderland Returns To South Huntington

HUNTINGTON, NY — The annual Winter Wonderland returned to the South Huntington School District, according to a news release from the district. Last year's event was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The event was held at Stimson Middle School for the first time; it is usually held indoors at the James Kaden Administrative Offices. The district said this year's event surpassed all others held before it.

"It’s a great thrill! We weren’t able to do this last year, obviously, but we brought it back bigger and better than ever this year," Board of Education President Nicholas Ciappetta said. "We had a great showing. I think the community really enjoyed this, and it’s really something special. It really shows everything that’s great about South Huntington."

Three bouncy houses, a mini ice rink, petting zoo, and three food trucks were all stationed in front of the school. A DJ played holiday favorites, while the interior of the school was decked with students' artwork.

A designated reading room was created inside where some of the elementary teachers read aloud winter-inspired stories and holiday tales to children. Hot chocolate, gingerbread cookie decorating, and a variety of fun crafts were featured in the multipurpose room.

Student volunteers from Stimson and Walt Whitman High School were stationed both inside and out to offer help to the children and their families during any activity.

Santa parked his sleigh on the stage to take pictures. For four straight hours of fun-filled festivities, children eagerly went in and out of the building to do every possible activity they could.

South Huntington finished the event with its annual lighting ceremony of the menorah and Christmas tree. Both can be seen on the front lawn of Stimson. The Christmas tree was recently planted, and it is hoped that it will "grow throughout the years as we continue to grow in South Huntington," Ciappetta said.

Rabbi Jeff Clopper from Temple Beth El of Huntington and Pastor Fred Scragg from Bethel Lutheran Church in Huntington Station led the community in a couple of blessings. One at a time, the first candle of the menorah was lit to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, and then the tree lights were turned on to officially begin the countdown to Christmas. Families and friends gathered around these two holiday symbols to be a part of the lighting and take pictures afterward.

"Between the music, the smiles as children ran from one activity to the next with their family and friends," the school district stated. "After observing the colored frosting and hot chocolate mustaches found on the faces of excited children, it was clear that this event was truly sparking joy across the community. Winter Wonderland at Stimson Middle School was a success, and South Huntington has certainly set a precedent for all future Winter Wonderlands to come!"